Multi-scale Forest Habitat Monitoring Using Remote Sensing Data

Remote sensing imagery and advanced image analysis methods show high potential for monitoring forest habitat issues. The objective of this paper is to provide ready-to-use information on forest habitats by conducting a multi-scale approach for the delineation of such, and the assessment of their conservation status on multi-spectral satellite imagery of high and very high spatial resolution, as well as LiDAR data. This information should help forest managers in the decision-making process and contribute to a sustainable management. The evaluation of the quality of forest habitats is performed on suitable indicators such as structure and composition on broad-scale for whole landscapes and on fine-scale for individual protected sites. In this context, information layers and direct habitat mapping can help to address the complex task of monitoring forest habitats and to harmonize information output.